The Most-Important Restaurant He's Opened

After nearly a 10-year hiatus, Bobby opens up Gato in the NoHo neighborhood of New York City. "There’s something different about this one. This is the most-important restaurant I’ve opened — besides Mesa Grill when it first opened."

The Cat Behind the Name

"I was standing outside the space that now houses Gato with my business partner, Laurence. We had never seen the space before, and while we were waiting for the real estate broker, a stray cat walked right on my feet. It's as simple as that."

Lasting Impressions

What are some of Bobby's favorite features? "The floor and the ceiling. The ceiling was a gift from the building — the building is a hundred years old, and we found these vaulted brick ceilings on top of a dropped ceiling made of Sheetrock."

His Happy Place

Why is it so important for Bobby to be in the kitchen? "First, and most importantly, it's the place that makes me the happiest. I also want to inspire the people in the kitchen. This is what they’re here for, so I owe it to them."

There's Nothing Like This City

"I have restaurants in really wonderful cities, but New York is New York. It sets the tone for everything. And, you know, I have a big target on my back when I do something like this. I don’t have to put myself out there, but I want to, because it’s what I want to do every day."